4300 hydro wheels locking up

lear167 · Feb 27, 2009

I have a JD 4300 Hydro. Going through the snow recently I started going sideways...I thought I was just slidding untill I looked over the side and saw that the left wheel was not turning. If I barely press on the fwd pedal it seems to do better, but it still stops sometimes, then will go again. This has also happened now with the right rear wheel, although not at the same time. I noticed the fluid level in the rear sight glass a little low, so I changed the transmission fluid (all 8 gals. including the front axle), the filter and the cleaned the suction filter to no avail. My wife said something that I want to mention, you never know if it is important. She said right before this started happening, she used the brakes on the left side (the individual left and right brakes) which I never use. I have checked the linkage and nothing seems to be stuck as far as the brakes go.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Chris

thewizard · Feb 27, 2009

Chris, the linkage has the brake hung up, you need to lubricate and drive that linkage back so to release the brake. , I would recommend that you use the single brake on right hand side for now, which will give equal pressure to the linkage or avoid using the brakes for now. You may need to remove the linkage back at the wheel area and clean and lube.

kennyd · Feb 27, 2009

I think it's a brake problem also...I know the brake return springs (one on each side near the wheel) are prone to breaking easily-my friend has a 4400 and has been thru a couple of them.

lear167 · Feb 28, 2009

Hey guys, thanks for the help. I'll check that area this morning.
Chris

kennyd · Feb 28, 2009

Part # 18 is what I was referring to...

lear167 · Feb 28, 2009

Thanks Kenny, When I looked at that linkage last week I only noticed one spring (on the left side) and that one is rusted to say the least. Thanks for the schematic.

Kyle_in_Tex · Feb 28, 2009

I'd bet brakes too, BUT, I've had to tear down my rear axles to replace the wheel seals. I'll bet part of the problem is where the shaft that actuates the brakes goes into the rear housing, it probably has some corrosion. The housings are aluminum and the holes where the shaft goes into it are not painted and are prone to corrosion/oxidation. I hate to say this but it is almost impossible to clean and grease it without a major disassembly. Maybe somebody knows a trick.

lear167 · Mar 1, 2009

Boy Kyle, I hope your not right.....Eventhough I had already checked the brake linkage, I checked it again (with a rubber mallet) and did get a little movement out of that left linkage,so I am hoping that was it. I do not have a spring on the right side and looking at that schematic, there is one on both sides. There doesen't seem to be any marks as a spring was EVER on there. I will be testing it out later today and it's muddy, so I'll know if a wheel starts locking up. I'll keep you guys informed and thanks again.

kennyd · Mar 1, 2009

Kyle,

If the wheels lock up again, you can try to put your foot under the pedal to try to lift it up-that's what the springs basically do. You need a spring on each side because the brakes a independent.